Underage Driving While Impaired

In the State of Tennessee, a driver can be charged with Underage Driving While Impaired (“DWI”) if they are age 16 or over but under the age of 21. A driver may not drive or be in physical control of a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs, alcohol, any other intoxicant, nor may the alcohol concentration in the person’s blood be more than two hundredths of one percent (0.02%). The fact that the driver is entitled to use the drugs under Tennessee law does not constitute a defense.

Driving While Impaired for a person age 16 but under the age of 18 is a delinquent act and is punishable only by a driver license suspension for one year and a fine of $250. As additional punishment, the court may impose public service work.

Driving While Impaired for a person age 18 but under the age of 21 is a Class A misdemeanor punishable only by a driver license suspension of one year and a fine of $250. As additional punishment, the court may impose public service work.

Unlike the offense of DUI, you cannot obtain a restricted driver’s license after receiving a license suspension under the penalties of DWI.